In part one of this blog, Dr. Mark Thomas with our Focus-MD Tuscaloosa office shared some tips that would help college students help manage their academics and daily life on campus. Below, he discusses ways to help them manage their healthcare and resources. 6. Teach them about navigating the health care system Making and remembering appointments Calling the MD office rather than sitting on a problem When is appropriate time to seek medical care Does this problem need to go to the ER? How, when and where to fill prescriptions (Anecdote: In treating college freshmen in a student health center, I have been asked by the student “What do I do with this prescription?” or “What is this?” (after handing them the prescription) or “How am I going to get my medicine now?” 7.  Let them know about how to… Read More »

As you can imagine, Dr. Mark Thomas in our Focus-MD Tuscaloosa office has a lot of experience helping college students. In this two-part blog, he discusses things that parents can do to make the transition to college easier.  I have been treating college-aged young persons with ADHD for over twenty years. In that time, I have witnessed numerous students struggle with getting away from the support structure in place for them at home and adjusting to the new demands of college life and independence. Many of the things that I have observed providing them difficulties could be greatly helped when parents know what things are most beneficial for them to do and what things they should avoid. Things parents should know and do for their college-bound daughters and sons – Know that each student is individual in their needs and… Read More »

by James Wiley, MD, FAAP -- @adddoc An email alerted me of a study concerning ADHD medication.  Since I prescribe it every day and take it myself, I’m always interested. When I clicked on the link I was directed to a July 15 article with this headline:  “Do ADHD Medications Boost Substance Abuse Risk?”  The article was reporting on a June 2016 study from the University of Michigan published the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In brief, the study concluded that if stimulant medication treatment is started earlier (before age 9) and continued, it actually cuts the rate of substance abuse in half.  Put another way, treatment cuts the risk back down to the rate for kids that do not have ADHD. You might think that the media would have noticed a study from a… Read More »

No, don’t stop taking your medication.  But, it is nice to have a second brain, especially one that does so many of the things our ADHD brain won’t do…like remembering our appointments and helping us run on time. (Sometimes our ADHD brain won’t let us tear ourselves away from what we are doing.) Admit it, you always have your phone on you, anyway so may as well put it to work for you! So, what exactly can your iPhone do for you? REMIND YOU- but remember YOU are the smart one that has to set reminders.  1st reminder to set—the one to remind you to take your medication until it’s a habit. Reminders can be a general list of things to do, or even assigned a specific date and time…you know for those of us who forget to check our calendar. … Read More »

Congratulations to Dr. Madeline Ellis of our Nashville/Hendersonville location.  Dr. Ellis been selected as one of Nashville Business Journal’s 2016 Health Care Heroes in the Most Promising Startup category! This is the Nashville Business Journal’s tenth annual Health Care Hero Awards publication and awards program celebrating the physicians, leaders, innovators, and strategists whose work is helping to grow the region’s health care industry. Dr. Ellis and the other winners will be featured in the Health Care Heroes special section in the May 13 edition of the Nashville Business Journal and honored at an awards dinner on May 12th. Read More »